Academia+ was an initiative focused on lowering dropout rates among STEM students, with an emphasis on computer science and information systems degrees. It helped hundreds of university and college students from all sectors, providing ongoing support throughout their studies with the aim of improving retention rates and helping students succeed.
The program used a unique social impact bond model, developed in collaboration with Social Finance Israel (SFI) and the Edmund de Rothschild Foundation. Using this model, early investment in support resources improved students’ self-efficacy and chances of staying the course, while generating measurable social and economic value.
A dedicated academic motivation assessment tool was developed for the initiative (SMA: Self-Motivated Assessment) and used for data-driven decision-making. The assessment was shown to be a reliable tool for predicting dropout risk.
The model’s implementation has demonstrated the value of tailored academic support: Dropout rates were reduced by 30%, with 80% of program graduates successfully finding jobs in tech — a figure that speaks to long-term personal, social and economic impact.